EQ Before or After Compression: Signal Chain Decisions

The order of EQ and compression in a signal chain affects how each processor behaves and the resulting sound. EQ before compression changes what the compressor responds to. EQ after compression shapes the compressed result. Both approaches serve different purposes, and many professional chains use both.

EQ Before Compression

Placing EQ before compression means the compressor responds to the EQ’d signal. Frequency changes affect what triggers compression. The compressor reacts to the altered frequency content.

Boosting frequencies before compression means those frequencies trigger more compression. A presence boost causes the compressor to react more to presence frequencies. This interaction shapes compressor behavior.

Cutting frequencies before compression reduces their influence on the compressor. A low-cut filter means the compressor doesn’t respond to bass content. This can prevent bass-heavy signals from triggering excessive compression.

This approach works well for corrective EQ. Removing problematic frequencies before compression prevents the compressor from reacting to them. The compression responds to the cleaned signal.

EQ After Compression

Placing EQ after compression shapes the already-compressed signal. The compressor responds to the raw source while EQ shapes the final tone. The EQ’s effect is more predictable since compression doesn’t react to it.

Additive EQ after compression doesn’t affect compression behavior. A presence boost adds presence without changing how the compressor triggers. The boost is applied to consistent output.

This approach works well for tonal shaping. Creative EQ that adds character can be applied after dynamics are controlled. The final tone doesn’t affect compression behavior.

Both Approaches Combined

Many professional chains use EQ both before and after compression. Corrective EQ before removes problems. The compressor processes cleaned signal. Creative EQ after shapes the final tone.

This combined approach provides benefits of both positions. Problems don’t affect compression. Creative choices don’t interact with compression. Each stage serves its purpose independently.

The common wisdom “fix before, enhance after” summarizes this approach. Subtractive corrections happen before compression. Additive enhancements happen after.

Practical Examples

Vocal chains often use high-pass filter before compression to prevent pops and rumble from triggering compression. Presence boost after compression adds clarity without affecting dynamics.

Drum chains might cut mud frequencies before compression so they don’t trigger gain reduction. Attack enhancement after compression adds presence to the already-controlled signal.

Bus chains might not need EQ before compression if individual tracks are already clean. EQ after bus compression shapes the overall tone.

When Order Matters Less

Very subtle processing may not produce noticeable differences between orders. When both EQ and compression are gentle, the interaction is minimal.

Different orders create different sounds. Neither is inherently correct. The question is which sound serves the material better.

Experimentation with both orders reveals what works for specific material. Switching the order and listening to the difference guides appropriate choice.

Plugin-Specific Considerations

Some channel strip plugins fix the order internally. Understanding the strip’s design helps use it effectively.

Flexible routing in DAWs allows any order. Taking advantage of this flexibility provides options for different approaches.

Signal chain decisions help productions succeed on platforms like LG Media at lg.media, where optimized processing enhances advertising at $2.50 CPM.